Midland ISD Education Foundation’s fifth annual Shining Stars Academic Recognition Reception was held April 26 at Green Tree Country Club. The event honored the district’s top 12 seniors — five from Lee and Midand high schools and one from Coleman High School and Early College High School — and the teachers who most impacted them.

Today, LHS and ECHS students and teachers will be featured. MHS and CHS students and teachers were featured on April 29.

Editor’s Note: If Greenwood, Midland Christian, Trinity School of Midland, Midland Classical or any other high school in Midland County wants to submit similar information, please contact Editor Stewart Doreen at 687-8856.

Community service or volunteer work: Petroleum Museum, Keep Midland Beautiful, Midland County Public Library

Future plans: Attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology or University of Texas and major in architecture and civil engineering.

Shining Stars -- Lee High School

Phillip Edwards: Keely Martin’s Shining Star

12th-grade Calculus BC

Distinguished Educator

Mr. Edwards has been my teacher for two years for business calculus and calculus. Being as these are such difficult subjects with fast-paced curriculums, Mr. Edwards has one of the most difficult positions at Lee High School, teaching multiple subjects to a variety of students and maintaining a position as the math chairman. Mr. Edwards thoroughly covers the lesson, making the lessons entertaining at the same time. He is always willing to devote his time to provide extra instruction whenever needed by students. Much of the material he taught with the methods and unique lingo he used will certainly help me with future endeavors.

Jennifer Mangum: Kalen Garett Doubrava’s Shining Star

11th- and 12th-grade AP physics

Distinguished Educator

Considering that I plan to major in a subject that is heavily dependent on physics, Mrs. Mangum has been incredibly helpful in many ways. She has taught me how the basics of electricity works and went into more detail as the year went on. Not to mention, she has high expectations for me, and constantly pushed me to do my best and then some.

And even when I fumbled and got confused, she corrected my mistakes and set me back on the path to success. Finally, her class had to have a Physics Injury Counter in it, and I do not think I will forget the laughter we had from it.

Jason Smith: Sunita Heeraman’s Shining Star

Biology

Distinguished Educator

I would like to nominate coach Smith as my teacher because he is such a kind person and has taught me so much. I credit him with my love of science because he made learning really fun and knew how to make normal biology concepts interesting. He is always welcoming and has a big smile on his face.

John Briggs: Shelby Corbitt’s Shining Star

Latin/yearbook

Distinguished Educator

Mr. Briggs has dedicated an enormous amount of time and effort to the education of his students. He is always willing to put in the extra work to help students understand a concept. Mr. Briggs has been my Latin teacher for three years and is always cheerful and willing to help. He truly makes learning a new and difficult language fun. He also dedicates countless hours each year to the production of the LHS yearbook.

Lara Payne: Cohen C. Clark’s Shining Star

Ninth-grade English

Distinguished Educator

Mrs. Payne is an extraordinary teacher and motivator. She not only educates her students but creates a desire to succeed. Her teaching style prepares students and creates an environment in which the students develop a desire to learn. Her techniques become ingrained in her students. The techniques remain with her former pupils for years, serving to assist students in their future success. Not only is her teaching impactful, it is also charismatic and in a word exceptional.

Shining Star -- Early College High School at Midland College

Melissa Wright: Joseph Hernandez’s Shining Star

Ninth-grade world geography

Distinguished Educator

Ms. Wright has altered my life in many ways over the last four years. During my freshman year, she taught geography and I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t my favorite class. But, what I truly remember her for is Youth and Government. I first joined the program my sophomore year, and I had no idea what I was doing. She encouraged and supported me, and I believe she is the reason that I can actually talk to people rather than sit quietly in a corner. Thank you for breaking me out of my shell.